Aiken author Ruth Kipnis drew from her equestrian background as she was writing her first love story, the 2014 book “Lane’s End.”

Through a twist of fate we turned a hobby into a thriving business when we added a Thoroughbred Training Center to our already growing broodmare operation.

After retiring we spent two years aboard our boat the Paradigm sailing the waters of Mexico. We finally settled in Puerto Vallarta. Returning to the States seven years later for medical reasons, and purchased a farm in South Carolina filling it with ex racehorses.

Writing came late in my varied career, but I've always believed that all of us have some secret desire, be it to ride a bike, pay a guitar, paint a picture, or in my case write a novel. Age should not dissuade anyone from the joy of following one's bliss.

Seeing my stories in print, knowing people are enjoying what I've written is reward enough. All proceeds from my books are donated to charity.​For her latest novel, Kipnis said she stepped away from her own experiences and looked to others’ romantic stories, particularly ones involving widowed or divorced people.

“A French Connection” was published in August by First Edition Design Publishing Inc., and was edited by Sue Clark.

The story opens on Norman Feinberg, a semi-retired, widowed businessman, living in San Francisco. When he wants to sell his two-story house, he becomes connected with Nicole Johnson, a widowed, French real estate agent who is 20 years younger than him.“Their business arrangement becomes something more than casual. The differences in age, religion and family present many ups and downs to a developing romance. A trip to Paris to meet her family sets them on a rocky road to marriage,” says the book’s summary.

The idea for the plot stemmed from the stories of second love Kipnis kept hearing from those who are divorced or had lost a spouse.

“If you lined these people up, you would think, ‘There is no way they would be a couple,’” she said.

These people also differed in traits such as age and culture, much like the romantic leads in Kipnis’ book. Kipnis is originally from San Francisco and came to Aiken with her husband Mervyn in 2002. He passed away in 2010.In her travels, Kipnis has visited Paris.

“(San Francisco and Paris) are both liberal cities, yet culturally, they are as different as night and day,” she said.

Kipnis dedicated the book to her husband.

“I was fortunate enough to fall in love and marry a wonderful man who, throughout our lives together, encouraged me to pursue any over-the-top dream I had. ... Even though my husband is gone now, I still filter my endeavors through his prism and hope this story would have pleased him,” her dedications reads.

“A French Connection” is $14.95 in paperback and $4.99 as an ebook and can be purchased through major online retailers such as Amazon and Google Play.